Construction work begins on Franklin Co. Jail renovation project

Construction work begins on the Franklin County Jail, after voters approved a sales tax to renovate the overcrowded facility in 2011.

Crews are preparing to expand the building into the parking lot outside just the jail.

Today, they worked on tearing down four portables in that area.

The new building is expected to be completed in a year.

Once that's finished, crews will start refurbishing the current jail.

Jail staff members say the facility was originally built in 1985 for about 100 people, but now the jail houses about double that.

"It feels really good to see it finally coming about, that our voters have approved, they believe in what our needs are in this community, and it's taking place. It really feels good that we're actually there, it's starting" said Cpt. Rick Long, Franklin County Jail.